EIPS Students Stand Out at Annual Speech Competition

Apr 25, 2018

Sherwood Park, AB. — More than 70 of the top student speakers from 24 elementary schools in Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) are getting set to compete in the eighth annual EIPS Young Speakers Invitational on April 26.

Throughout February and March, close to 3,700 EIPS students in grades 4 through 6 competed in speech competitions at their schools in front of a panel of independent judges. Three finalists from each school, one in each grade, were chosen and now move on to compete in this year’s EIPS Young Speakers Invitational.

“In this digital age, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively is more important than ever,” says Jordan Smith, the event co-ordinator and a teacher at Brentwood Elementary. “The competition, and the entire program, builds student self-confidence and an appreciation for the power of verbal communication skills—abilities that will serve them well now and in their future endeavours.”

Students who have advanced to the Young Speakers Invitational will now present their speeches to a panel of judges in a preliminary round. The top four from each grade will then advance to the final round and present their speeches one last time. Judges will grade students on their ability to meld quality and organized content in a manner that’s presented with interest and conviction. All participating students will take home a special prize and those who make it to the finals will receive a commemorative plaque.

“I worked on my speech for weeks, practicing alone, in front of family and friends, getting every detail just right,” says Talya Shudra, a Grade 4 student from Brentwood Elementary who is competing in this year’s invitational. “I’ve learned how to use my voice strongly and I think this will help me be more confident when I am older.”

In addition to the competition, the EIPS Young Speakers Invitational will also include its annual silent auction, with all proceeds going towards the Robin Hood Association. Last year, the auction brought in more than $2,800 and since its inception, has raised close to $30,000.

Elk Island Public School is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,150 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties and the western portion of the County of Minburn.